Unique villages

In the Haut-Vaucluse
Vacqueyras, famed for its AOC Côtes du Rhône wines, produces one of the three “grands crus” of the Vaucluse, whose wine-making area stretches out to the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The red wines, which make up most of the production, are made using Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre grapes. Yet there are also white and rosé wines produced under this appellation.

Gigondas, a small Provence village surrounded by its fortified wall dating back to the Middle Ages, is dominated by its church and the remnants of the castle and is located at the heart of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain range. Gigondas is one of the great local appellations of the Rhône Valley (Gigondas wine, available in red and rosé, has been classed as an AOC grand cru since 1971).

Séguret, located north of the Dentelles de Montmirail and west of Mont Ventoux, is built at the foot of a hill topped with the ruins of a feudal castle. It is listed amongst the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. It has an ambiance both typically Provençal and medieval.

Rasteau, perched atop a hill between plains and forests, is a wine-making village. Midway between Orange and Vaison-la-Romaine, and facing Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail, it overlooks the valley where the River Ouvèze flows. Its most notable feature is its three bell towers. 
Its vineyards produce three “appellation d’origine contrôlée” wines – AOC Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages, and “Rasteau” sweet fortified wine (vin doux naturel). 

Vaison-la-Romaine is a jewel of Provence. Of Roman origin, as its name suggests, it is one of the must-visit sites in the Haut-Vaucluse. A town of high archaeological importance, the town is split in two by the Ouvèze river. On the right bank, there are two districts, the site of the old Roman settlement and the contemporary part of Vaison.
Archaeological findings have revealed immense and luxurious Gallo-Roman villas, with highly elaborate interior furnishings.

Drôme Provençale

Rochegude, just 10 minutes from the hotel, is a typical village of Provence. Perched atop its 130 m hill, it offers a unique panorama over its vineyard. It is renowned for its numerous wine tasting cellars. Here you can get a taste of all that’s good about Provence, with its plane-tree-lined street, its two covered washhouses, and its large fountain. Plus, on the Place du Château, there’s the viewpoint on the terrace, offering a magnificent panorama over the old rooftops of grey, pink and brown tiles.

La Garde Adhémar is listed amongst the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. From the top of its limestone spur, the village has kept its medieval structure, ramparts, remains of the castle, and old houses. It offers an outstanding view over the Rhône Valley and the Vivarais mountains.

Grignan, the latest addition to the exclusive list of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, is most associated with its château, the largest Renaissance building in South-East France, made famous by the correspondence of Madame de Sévigné (who stayed here during the 17th century). From the château’s terrace, you’ll be able to marvel at the beauty of the landscapes of Grignan, dotted with vineyards, lavender, truffle fields, and huge wooded areas.